Pond Pump Troubleshooting

Pond pump stopped working? Follow these steps to help diagnose the problem and possibly get your pump up and running again!

Step 1: Check the power source
This may seem pretty obvious, but we have to start at the beginning. Check the switch on the power point is in the 'on' position. If it is and the pump still isn't working, try unplugging the pump and plugging something else, like an electric drill, into the power outlet and see if it works. If it does, it means there is probably something wrong with the pump.

Note: If your circuit breaker is tripping when you turn the switch on while the pump is plugged in, it is likely your cable is damaged. This can happen when pets or rodents chew the cable or if it is damaged in another way such as rough handling or sometimes with garden tools. If this is the case, unplug the appliance and check the cable thoroughly. If there is any kind of break or tear in the cable then the pump cannot be safely repaired and needs to be replaced. To find a suitable replacement you can Browse Pond Pumps.

Step 2: Check the pipework coming from your pump
Sometimes debris can block your delivery pipe. The best way to check this is either disconnect your pond pump from the delivery pipework/pond hose and try turning it on. If it shoots plenty of water straight out of the top of the pump, there could be something wrong with the disconnected pipe or a blockage of some kind. Check the inside of the pipe thoroughly or try running a garden hose through it.

Step 3: Check the Impeller***Make sure the pump is unplugged
Once you have eliminated the power source and confirmed that the cable is perfectly intact and that the pipework is not blocked, the next step is to check that the impeller is not blocked with debris. This is by far the most common cause of a pond pump to stop working and fortunately is also the easiest to fix. Accessing your pump's impeller can vary from brand to brand but it is generally a similar processs and is fairly easy for anybody to do.

First remove the pump cage and/or any pre filters sponge which is covering the inlet of the pump. Some pumps have a large plastic cage with round or square holes that covers the whole thing - this can simply be removed. Other types have a smaller cage, often with a sponge underneath that can usually pull or unclip off of the pump. Beneath this sponge and/or cage there will be an impeller cover. With some pumps you need a screwdriver but with most of them it is a simple quarter turn 'bayonet' type cover which can be removed without any tools. Beneath this cover you will see the top of the impeller (looks kind of like the blades on a boat propeller).

Once you have the cover off you will need to remove the impeller. Sometimes you can grab the top of it and pull is straight out, other times you may need the assistance of a pair of pliers. If using tools, be very careful as most impellers have plastic blades which will snap easily if pressure is applied at the wrong angle. It may be necessary to clear or flush some debris out of the way before you can remove the impeller. The impeller sits on a shaft which is usually removable as well and has a magnetic rotor connected to the blades which is also on the shaft.

If the impeller was blocked with debris, simply flush and clear out the impeller chamber as thoroughly as you can removing all dirt, sticks or other foreign objects. You can them reassemble the pump and it should work.

It is also possible that the impeller or shaft is broken. You will easily see if the shaft is broken as it will be in 2 or more pieces. Regarding the impeller, if the plastic blades are separated from the magnet and can be pulled completely apart, then it is broken and the impeller needs replacing. It may be possible that the impeller is still attached to the magnet but not properly. To check this, hold the magnet in one hand and the blades in the other hand and try to turn them in the opposite direction. Most impellers will turn slightly and then lock. If the blade keeps spinning on the magnet without ever locking, then your impeller is broken and needs to be replaced.

We keep in stock a full range of impellers to suit our pumps. Some are listed on our website in our spare parts section and other will need to be ordered by calling 1800 607 388.

Step 4: Call us
If the power source is working, the impeller is intact and free from debris, the pipework is clear and the pump still won't pump water, call us on 1800 607 388 for further advice. If the product was purchased from us and is still inside the warranty period and you wish to lodge a warranty claim, you can do so online here.